Oxford
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The Oxford Blog
is a collection of diary entries, news, gossip and other Oxford
related information.

Cinderella - At The Oxford PlayhouseCinderella starts at The Oxford Playhouse tonight at 7pm (sold out) and continues until Sunday 16th January.
For more information, and booking, phone the ticket office on 01865 305305Posted
: 03/12/2010 08:49:29

Go-ahead for 20mph speed limit plan in OxfordCouncillor Ian Hudspeth, Oxfordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Transport, has given the scheme the go-ahead in the same week that the Government said it wanted to see similar schemes introduced elsewhere in the country.
What is the aim of the plan?
The aim of the plan is:
* to increase safety levels and help reduce accidents. The speeds at which vehicles travel is directly linked to the severity of injuries sustained in the event of an accident. A pedestrian, if struck by a vehicle driving at 20mph, is likely to suffer slight injuries. At 30mph they would be severely hurt and at 40mph or above are likely to be killed
* to improve the environment and quality of life for pedestrians, cyclists and residents
* to encourage more people to walk and cycle to reduce congestion and pollution, and to improve health
Where will limits be introduced?
The 20mph limits will be introduced on:
* almost all residential minor roads within the city (excluding North Hinksey and Botley)
* un-numbered through-roads, except where they are part of heavily-used bus routes into the city
* some sections of the main A roads and the B road network where there are busy shopping areas particularly in the city centre
There are already a number of 20mph zones and limits in Oxford, and these would be incorporated into the wider project. Supporting measures would probably be required at some minor road locations to get speeds to an acceptable level
How will main roads be affected?
Most major roads will remain at 30mph to keep the limits realistic as they are unlikely to reduce speeds significantly without extensive traffic calming measures.
Radial routes such as the following would not be included:
* Abingdon Road
* Banbury Road (either side of Summertown)
* Woodstock Road
* Botley Road beyond Abbey Road
* London Road either side of Brookes/Headington Shops
* Iffley Road beyond Temple Street
Routes around the city that would also not be part of the limit include:
* the ring road
* Oxpens Road/Thames Street
* Marston Ferry Road
* Donnington Bridge Road
* The Botley, Cumnor and North Hinksey areas will not be part of any 20mph plans with people from those areas having already stated that they do not want to be part of the proposal.
Consultation
Oxfordshire County Council conducted consultation during September and October 2008 and February 2009.
In September and October 2008, Councillor Ian Hudspeth, Oxfordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Transport attended several Oxford City Council area committee meetings to hear views on the plans. There was also a public meeting at County Hall. Advertisements were run on local radio station Jack FM to advise people of how and where they could have their say. There was an online feedback form anad FREEPOST address.
In February 2009, leaflets were put in to libraries and council offices across Oxford asking for views on the detail of the plans. Again, online feedback forms and a FREEPOST address were both available.
Around 61 per cent of those who responded to the first consultation were in favour of the proposals with 69 per cent in favour on the second occasion.
North Hinksey and Botley
Consutlation with the people of North Hinksey and Botley made it clear at an early stage that local people in these areas were not in favour of 20mph speed limits. The initial plan to include these areas as part of the plan was therefore dropped.
Encouraging walking and cycling
Councillor Ian Hudspeth, Oxfordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Transport, said: "We had been receiving calls from local people for some time to consider 20mph speed limits in residential roads.
"On the basis that a reduction in speed will reduce the number and severity of accidents, encourage walking and cycling and generally improve the environment for pedestrians we have decided to go ahead with the plan. The fact that the Government wants similar schemes introduced elsewhere puts Oxfordshire in the vanguard."
"If this cuts speed by even a 1mph average that will deliver a five per cent reduction in casualties - nationally accepted speed statistics prove that. If this saves one life, it will have been worth it."Posted
: 24/04/2009 11:40:27

Sleeping Beauty - Oxford PlayhouseFriday 5 December – Sunday 18 January
An Oxford Playhouse Pantomime
Written and Directed by Peter Duncan
Peter Duncan returns to Oxford Playhouse to lead our gang in over forty winks of superb singing, dazzling dancing, tears and laughter all sprinkled with a good helping of theatre magic!
An enchanting journey of the dashing Prince Raphael of Nadalia and Princess Beauty, with the evil Carmella Crabstick close behind. You'll meet lots of friends along the way in this rollercoaster of hilarious comedy, gorgeous costumes and sleeping bags full of fun for all the family!
Tickets: From £11 – ask at Box Office for details (01865 305 305)Posted
: 05/12/2008 11:05:03

Collision - OxfordPolice are appealing for witnesses to a collision that happened yesterday (17th April).
At around 3.30pm a Scania HGV and a cyclist collided at the junction of Marston Road and Headington Road in Oxford.
The 45-year-old cyclist sustained serious injuries and was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital where she was treated for her injuries. She is currently in a serious, but stable condition
PC Nick Perks, investigating the incident, said: “The road was closed while police examined the scene. The area was busy at the time and if anyone witnessed the collision I would urge them to contact me.”
Anyone with information can contact PC Perks via 0845 8 505 505, or if you don’t want to talk to the police or give your name, call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
Posted
: 18/04/2008 16:29:02

Oxford City neighbourhood updateNeighbourhood Specialist Officers, PC Paul Phillips and PC Martin Wizard provide the lates Oxford City neighbourhood update:
The Oxford City centre Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) has now been up and running for several months. A number of issues have been raised by members of the community and targeted and addressed. Below are details of current problems being addressed within the neighbourhood.
Anti Social Behaviour
This priority has been broken down into two areas. The first being the night time economy within the City Centre, tackling late night violence, disorder and assaults. Dedicated patrols work very closely with door supervisors and support agencies such as licensing officers, trading standards and health and safety teams to provide a structured focus on City centre licensed premises. This is supported by high profile police patrols that visit licensed premises and patrol the City dealing robustly with incidents of disorder and anti- social behaviour. This is known as Operation BIRRIA.
The second area covers the remainder of the City centre such as residential neighbourhoods. With the presence of dedicated police community support officers (PCSOs) it has been possible to provide a high profile visible presence in the areas of concern, such as Friars Wharf estate and the area around the Night Shelter in Luther Court, Oxford. This has helped reduce the incidents of anti-social behaviour and provide support and re-assurance to residents and people within that neighbourhood.
Drug issues
Drug activity has been identified as talking place in the following areas – The Spider in Upper Fisher Row, Oxpens Field opposite the College of Further Education and the night-time scene in Oxford City centre. These issues are being dealt with by way of high visibility patrols and also by working closely with local agencies to address issues such as overgrown shrubbery that may be used to shield people using drugs in isolated locations. With regard to licensed premises, work is undertaken closely with door supervisors who search customers going into premises; this is supported by a dedicated drugs dog operation on nominated days.
Intelligence and information regarding drugs issues locally are always being reviewed. As a result of which drugs warrants will take place at premises that are identified with these issues. It is important that you, as members of the community, let the neighbourhood team know of your concerns so that positive action can be taken to address them.
University issues
We are currently in the process of training four PCSOs to work within the university and equipping an office within the Bodleian library. Once this process is complete the PCSOs should be fully operational around the middle of April.
The areas affected by graffiti will shortly be cleaned up, If any new graffiti appears in the neighbourhood, please report it to us so we can photograph the tags to identify any offenders and arrange for the tags to be removed. If you have any information that you would like to pass to your neighbourhood team please contact them by telephone 08458 505 505, by email to oxfordcity@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk or contact the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.Posted
: 02/04/2008 15:08:43

Oxford win 2008 Boat RaceThe Oxford crew have beaten Cambridge to win the 154th University Boat Race.
Oxford finished in a time of 20 minutes and 52 seconds, with Cambridge crossing the line at 21 minutes 14 seconds. It was slowest Boat Race since 1947.Posted
: 29/03/2008 17:41:13

Prompt police action in river rescuePolice are urging the public to be aware of the dangers of high water in the rivers.
At around 12.15am this morning police were called to reports that a man was in the river near Park End Street. When they arrived at the scene officers saw that three men had jumped into the river and they threw out the life rings and managed to rescue all three men.
PC Paul Phillips, based at Oxford police station, said: “The three men had jumped into the river and got into difficulties. They were naked and must have thought it would be funny go swimming, but hadn't realised the dangers and the strength of the water.
“One of the men was swept along the river and into a weir. He luckily managed to come through the weir with only minor injuries but there was a strong chance that he could have been killed.
“Fast flowing water can be powerful enough to knock you over and just two feet of water can float a car. Please don't put yourselves at risk by attempting to swim through the water. The men were arrested and all three received fixed penalty notices. This is a small price to pay when their actions could have cost them their lives.”Posted
: 18/01/2008 14:53:42

It's panto time at Oxford Playhouse!Oxford Playhouse present
ALADDIN
Directed by Peter Duncan
Get your magic carpets at the ready - it's time to be whisked of to a far and distant land of magic, mystery and mayhem! Aladdin, Princess So-Shi, Widow Twankey, the Genie and all of their friends are ready to welcome you to the Playhouse this Christmas - beware of the evil Abanazar though, if you see him a lot of 'booing' may be required!
ALADDIN at Oxford Playhouse is set to be the family event of the year, with something for everyone, make sure you don't miss out this festive period! Goodies, baddies, boos, cheers, laughter, song, dance and some good ol' panto slosh, all come together in this traditional treat at the Playhouse from Friday 30 November until Sunday 13 January. Tickets are selling fast, so don't leave it until the last minute - book your seats today!
Box Office : 01865 305305Posted
: 30/11/2007 11:56:36

PCSOs marked out to help fight against bike crimeAs part of Oxford Police's ongoing summer campaign against cycle crime, Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) across Oxford are being equipped with security marking kits.

This is a unique initiative: it is the first time this has happened anywhere in the Thames Valley Police area and believed to be the first time in the UK.

The PCSOs will be able to use the markers to permanently etch the owner's postcode onto the frame of their bike, meaning it can be easily identified by the police if stolen.

Cyclists in the city will be able to approach any PCSO and have their bike marked at any time of day.

Crime Reduction Officer Nick Gilbert: "Cycle marking is an excellent way to make a bike less attractive to a potential thief as well as help us return it to its rightful owner if it's recovered.

"PCSOs are in the heart of the community and thanks to the continued support of the Oxford Community Safety Partnership, this equipment is now literally on hand to offer the service to schools, youth clubs and even kids on the street.

"Cycle crime is decreasing in Oxford and we need to continue the good work by making as many cycles as safe as possible. Over the last 12 months, the Oxford Crime Reduction Team has marked more than 1500 cycles.

"We are carrying out cycle-marking events throughout the city over the coming months, but we want to make safe as many as possible. So, if you want your cycle marked, feel free to ask a PCSO or a City Council Street Warden, who also have the marking kits."Posted
: 05/07/2007 01:10:20

Crackdown on charity scammersPolice officers will be out and about today (30/05) warning the public and tourists about 'charity' con artists who are targeting Oxford city centre.

It is part of a crackdown on illegal charity collectors who are fraudulently taking money from unsuspecting people as well as stealing mobile phones and other valuables in cafes and shops.

Officers will be giving out fliers and putting up posters in cafés and other stores.

PC Vikki Barrie said: "This has been a problem in recent months and while we are making arrests and charging people, we have to make sure they are not tolerated by the public.

"We are warning people to be wary of collectors - including women and children - particularly those carrying clipboards and claiming to be collecting for the hard of hearing.

"Make sure you check charity workers' ID, look for a registered charity number, and only donate money when you are confident they are from a legitimate organisation."

Susan Lockhart, tourism co-ordinator for Oxford City Council will also be available as will a representative of Costa Coffee and some Oxford University students who have personal experience of the collectors.

The incident happened shortly after 9am on the A40, Risinghurst, near to the Park and Ride.

A blue Rover, which was travelling towards Oxford, collided with an Oxford Bus Company single decker coach. Both the driver and passenger of the Rover were taken to hospital. All the people on the bus escaped unharmed.

A 14-year-old girl, who was the passenger in the Rover, sustained serious head injuries. The driver, a woman in her twenties, sustained minor cuts and bruises.

One lane of the dual carriageway was closed to allow collision investigators to fully investigate the incident. The road is now fully open and traffic moving normally.

PC Greg Stewart, who is investigating the collision, said: "Many of the passengers on the bus dispersed before we were able to talk with them. I would urge anyone that was on the bus to please get in touch with us. I would also like to hear from anyone else who may have witnessed the incident."

Arrests as police disrupt cycle thieves in OxfordTwo men have been arrested in police raids aimed at cracking down on cycle theft in Oxford.

Officers recovered 19 bicycles, several of which were high-value, after searching two homes, one in Warbler Walk, Greater Leys, and one in Williamson Way, in Rose Hill last week. Police think some of the bicycles had been stolen only days beforehand.

PC Felicity Parker, of Oxford Police's Auto-Crime Team, said: “We believe we have disrupted a network of prolific cycle thieves in the city.

“We have been saying that we will take action to stop the gangs that steal cycles in Oxford and this is the first evidence of this.

“There will be more searches and more arrests.

“We recover a vast number of bikes each year that are believed to be stolen but we do have trouble reuniting them with their owners as they are not security-marked.

“Our crime reduction advisers hold regular sessions where we can post-code bikes and I would encourage people to take advantage of them.

“If someone is unlucky enough to have their cycle stolen it means that they have a far greater chance of being reunited with it.

“It also helps us identify it as stolen property.”

One bicycle stolen last week was returned to its owner after it had been security-coded just days beforehand by crime reduction adviser PC Nick Gilbert.

Police are particularly anxious to trace the owners of three high-value cycles that were recovered.

The first cycle is a silver Cannondale Killer-V mountain bike. The bike was for sale in 1995/6 but is still in very good condition.

The second cycle is a blue Giant X Air mountain bike. The third bike is a grey Giant CRS hybrid bike.

All the bikes would have cost £800 or more when new.

If anyone thinks they may own the bicycles they should contact PC Felicity Parker, of Oxford Police, on 0845 8 505 505.Posted
: 14/09/2006 12:08:10

Oxford supporters coming to terms with relegationThousands of Oxford supporters started another week at work today after the devastating weekend which saw Oxford United relegated to the Conference.

A 3-2 defeat against Leyton Orient condemned United to the Nationwide Conference, ending their 44-year stay in the League.Posted
: 08/05/2006 15:58:34

POG Masters Arriving in OxfordPOG, the massive playground craze of 1994, is back in the UK in 20 UK towns, including Oxford, and it's bigger and better than ever! POG, the original stack 'em and slam 'em game, took the UK by storm spreading through playgrounds in the nineties as kids stacked and slammed their way to the all sought after POG collection!

On 22nd and 29th April POG Masters will be taking to the streets of the UK to introduce POG to a new generation of POGsters, challenging them to tournaments in the street and giving out free packs of POG!

The Oxford event is due to take place in Cornmarket StreetPosted
: 18/04/2006 18:52:59

Oxford United under new managementOxford United fans woke up today to the first full day of new ownership of their beloved Oxford United.

The new owner, Nick Merry, took over from Firoz Kassam as Oxford United Chairman yesterday and brought in Jim Smith as manager. Smith previously managed Oxford United between 1982 and 1985.

Kassam is reported to have said that the new owners have an option to buy the Oxford United Stadium, which is named after Kassam, at an appropriate time.Posted
: 23/03/2006 11:36:53

Witney MP experiences first budget as Tory leaderWitney MP David Cameron has seen Gordon Brown deliver his first budget speech since Cameron took over as Conservative party leader.

During his response to Brown's 10th budget Cameron referred to Gordon Brown as 'a politician completely stuck in the past' and said that 'you can tell how deep the crisis is in the health service, the health service didn't even get a mention'.

Announcements in today's budget included:* a rise in vehicle excise duty for 'gas guzzling' cars and 4x4s* 9p on a packet of cigarettes* 4p on a bottle of wine* 1p on a pint of beer* Increase in inheritance tax threshold to £325,000* Petrol duty will be frozen until September 2006

The last Chancellor to make 10 budget speeches in a row was Nicholas Vansittart in 1822Posted
: 22/03/2006 18:56:33

Oxford United manager dismissedOxford United have sacked manager Brian Talbot after less than a year in charge of the League Two club. Youth team coach Darren Patterson has taken over.

Talbot joined the club in the summer of 2005, but a poor run of results has seen them slip to 22nd in the league. His last win was against Chester on January 2nd 2006.Posted
: 14/03/2006 18:10:37

Woman tries to take baby from Oxford streetOxford Police are hunting a woman who attempted to abduct a baby boy from a pram while he was being pushed by his mother along New Inn Hall Street in Oxford this morning (Thursday 9th February).

The mother was stopped by the woman who shouted that the infant belonged to her, before she pulled the mother's hair near Argos.

The mother kept on walking and the woman fled.

Police are keen to trace a passer by who stopped to help.Posted
: 09/03/2006 21:38:19

John Radcliffe hospital visited by Witney MPWitney MP David Cameron spent the day in hospital today (7th February)....... but not as a patient!

Mr Cameron was at the John Radcliffe hospital in Oxford where he answered phones and witnessed first hand the pressures that a hospital is under.

His day started in the A and E section and he also spent time in the maternity ward talking to new parents.

David Cameron and his wife are expecting their third child later this month.Posted
: 07/02/2006 18:30:43

The Oxford Times - Price riseThe price of the Oxford Times rose from 60p to 70p on Friday 20th January, the first price rise since November 2004Posted
: 26/01/2006 17:56:33

Busy Oxford junction to be made saferA busy road junction in the centre of Oxford is to have a new layout to make it safer for cyclists reports the BBC.

The roundabout at The Plain in Oxford has a sharp turn left at the top of Cowley Road into Iffley Road and has been the scene of several crashes, many involving cyslists.

The new roundabout layout will mean that the left turn in question will only be possible by circulating the roundabout first.

An Oxfordshire County Council spokesperson is reported to have said that they hoped the improvements would cut accidents.

Sections of the road will be strengthened at the same time.

Until recently, Cowley Road had the highest level of reported crashes of any road in the county. An average of about one every fortnight.

The work at the junction with Iffley Road is due to begin on 9th January and it is expected to last up to six weeks.Posted
: 04/01/2006 11:46:50

Oxford dumped by Cheltenham Town... again!Cheltenham Town have made it through to the semi-finals of the LDV Vans Trophy with a 2-1 victory over Oxford United.

The win means that Cheltenham have now eliminated Oxford United from two cup competitions in eight days after last week's FA Cup win.

Cheltenham took the lead after less than two minutes when on-loan striker Steven Gillespie scored. Defender Shane Duff directed a looping header beyond Tardif from free-kick on the hour mark and put the game almost beyond reach.

A late goal from Lee Mansell gave Oxford hope but it was all in vain and Cheltenham held on to win the match.Posted
: 21/12/2005 11:52:58

Festive parking is free in OxfordParking in the street of Oxford is now free from 6:30pm. Parking is also free on Sundays (limited to two hours and shoppers must still display a ticket).

The Park and Ride services form Water Eaton and Thornhill are free all weekPosted
: 08/12/2005 16:03:16

Oxford United beat Cheltenham Town in League TwoCheltenham Town lost at home to Oxford United in their League Two match this evening, the second time the teams have met in four days.

Train services back to normalTrain services between Oxford and London are back to normal after the earlier disruptions todayPosted
: 06/12/2005 18:17:37

Witney MP is confirmed as new Tory party leaderThe Witney MP David Cameron has been confirmed as the new leader of the Conservative party today (6th December).

Tory party members voted in favour of Cameron who won 134,446 of 198,844 valid votes cast.

David Cameron, a relative outsider at the beginning of the campaign, beat one of the pre-campaign favourites David Davis in the final round of voting.

Cameron will now have to form his team as he takes over from Michael Howard who has lead the party since November 2003 and stepped down after losing the 2005 General Election in MayPosted
: 06/12/2005 15:35:11

It is thought that a fatality on the line at Radley, south of Oxford, has closed the link to Paddington.Some passengers are being diverted to Didcot rail station via bus while others are being transported to Banbury to take the Chiltern line to Marylebone.

It is believed that British Transport Police are still at the scene and it is not known when the line will reopen.Posted
: 06/12/2005 10:27:31

FA Cup third round drawOxford United will take on Chester City in the third round of the FA Cup, but only if Oxford can beat Cheltenham Town in their second round replay matchPosted
: 05/12/2005 12:33:54

FA Cup match between Oxford and CheltenhamThe FA Cup match between Oxford United and Cheltenham Town will go to a reply after the teams drew 1-1 this afternoon.

A crowd of 4592 saw Guinan put Cheltenham in the lead after 13 minutes. Sabin got the Oxford equaliser on 51 minutes.Posted
: 03/12/2005 19:13:00

Morse's Jaguar sold for over £100,000Inspector Morse's burgundy Mark II Jaguar has been sold for more than £100,000.

The 1960 car used by the Oxford detective was purchased by a UK-based businessman.

The Jaguar, which has recently undergone an extensive overhaul, was sold in a sealed bid tender by the liquidators of a firm that had previously owned it.Posted
: 01/12/2005 16:53:38

Commuters face parking problemCommuters could soon be stopped from parking in Headington, Oxford if new council plans win local backing.

Plans to bring in stricter parking controls in the Girdlestone Road and Quarry area during daytimes and weekends would give priority for available parking to residents, their visitors and small businesses.Residents in Headington are being given the chance to have their say on the plansPosted
: 30/11/2005 10:11:27

Oxford United resultOxford United failed to take home advantage and lost 3-2 to Grimsby at the Kassam Stadium todayPosted
: 26/11/2005 17:05:05

Oxford win through to next round of LDV TrophyOxford United are through to the LDV Vans Trophy area quarter-finals after winning 1-0 against Leyton Orient tonight (23 Nov). Eric Sabin scored the goal for Oxford after 27 minutesPosted
: 23/11/2005 22:34:20

Pet neutering scheme hailed a successA pet neutering and microchip fitting scheme performed on an Oxford estate has been hailed as a success.RSPCA officers neutered 14 dogs and 23 cats as well as fitting 142 cats and dogs with microchips. The microchips can be read using a hand-held device which makes it easier to contact the owners of the cats and dogs if they are found after they go missing or are stolen.

A thousand homes on the Barton Estate in Oxford were visited by RSPCA officers in the pilot scheme aimed at reducing ignorance and cruelty among pet owners. The treatments were offered free of charge and owners were asked to make a small donation to the RSPCAPosted
: 19/11/2005 12:19:51

Oxford Christmas LightsThe Christmas lights in Oxford will be switched on by Coronation Street star Amanda Barrie. The event will take place on Saturday 26th November at 4:15pm and will be the culmination of an afternoon of entertainment in Oxford city centre. Lord Mayor, Bob Price, will also attend the eventPosted
: 19/11/2005 12:11:00

Oxford United progress in the FA CupOxford United have made it to the second round of the FA Cup after beating Eastbourne 3-0 in their first round replay match last night (16th Nov).Steve Basham scored a hat-rick for Oxford who will now face local rivals Cheltenham Town in the second round on December 6th.The attendance was 4396Posted
: 17/11/2005 19:00:06

Oxford officers go hi-tech!The BBC reports today that handheld computers are to be carried by hundreds of beat officers allowing them to access national police databases in seconds.The Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) have a built in camera, screen and telephone and are to be used in Oxford after successful street trials by 70 Thames Valley Police officers since March.The six-month trial will be launched in Spring 2006 and will bring the number of users in the force up to 350.The PDAs can be used for rapid identity and vehicle checks as well as allowing officers to read their emails while out of the station.

The use of the PDAs could be extended nationally if the Oxford trial is successfulPosted
: 16/11/2005 18:24:20

Oxford United lose at homeOxford United slumped to a 3-0 defeat at home to Wrexham. It was Wrexham's first away win of the seasonPosted
: 12/11/2005 17:41:05

Wedding Fayre in OxfordA Wedding Fayre will take place on Sunday 20th November, between 11am and 4pm at the Oxford Spires Hotel, Abingdon Road, Oxford. Free AdmissionPosted
: 09/11/2005 13:13:43

Murder enquiry underway in OxfordA murder inquiry has been launched after a body was found while police officers were searching an Oxford property in connection with another incident.Police found the body of a 40 year old man at an address in Luther Street, Oxford, on Sunday.A 40 year old woman and two men aged 44 and 39 have been arrested on suspicion of murder and are in custody being questioned by police in the city.The body has not yet been formally identifiedPosted
: 07/11/2005 21:34:40

Oxford FA Cup match ends in drawOxford United drew away from home in the first round of the FA Cup today. Eastbourne held United to a 1-1 drawPosted
: 05/11/2005 18:28:09

Kassam sells cinemaOxford United owner Firoz Kassam has sold the cinema on the land adjoining the football stadium to Vue, a national cimema chainPosted
: 04/11/2005 17:28:05

Ambitious plan for Gloucester GreenAn ambitious plan that would see The Odeon cinema in George Street demolished could transform the Gloucester Green area of Oxford.If the plan goes ahead, The Odeon would be replaced with a new building that had a cinema on the upper floors and shops and restaurants at groud floor level.
The George Street cinema opened in 1937 when it was known as The RitzPosted
: 04/11/2005 17:24:02

Oxfordshire trained Best Mate to be rememberedEdward Gillespie, the Managing Director of Cheltenham racecourse, has said that they already have plans to honour racing legend Best Mate who died at Exeter racecourse on Tuesday 1st November.One of the most popular horses of recent times, Oxfordshire trained Best Mate won the Cheltenham Gold Cup three years in a row from 2002.Cheltenham racecourse already has an enclosure named after Best Mate, but it is thought that a statue will be erected and a race named after the horse. The racecourse has statues paying tribute to Arkle, Golden Miller and Dawn Run and the Arkle Chase is also run in memory of Arkle.Posted
: 03/11/2005 08:32:54

Major Oxford road improvements near conclusionA major improvement scheme on the Cowley Road in Oxford will finish on schedule at the end of this week say reports.The improvements, which have cost in the region of £1.6m, were launched in April 2005 to tackle the number of accidents on the Cowley Road which had the greatest number of reported accidents of any road in the county, about one every two weeks.The improvements include the replacement of a worn out section of the road, a 20mph speed limit and three new zebra crossingsPosted
: 01/11/2005 14:45:03

Oxford United defeatedOxford United lost 1-0 away to Leyton Orient this afternoon. A crowd of 5268 fans saw Easton score for Leyton Orient after 45 minutes. Oxford are now 11th in League Two on 22 pointsPosted
: 29/10/2005 21:30:25

Elton John to perform in OxfordSir Elton John is to perform at the Kassam Stadium in Oxford.The concert will take place on June 24th 2006. Tickets will go on sale on Monday 31st OctoberPosted
: 28/10/2005 00:45:06

Oxford to face Eastbourne in FA CupOxford United have been drawn away to Eastbourne Boro in the first round of the FA CupPosted
: 23/10/2005 19:00:50

Oxford United draw with BostonOxford United have drawn 0-0 at home to Boston United today. Boston have now gone ten games without defeatPosted
: 22/10/2005 16:58:38

David Cameron wins second round of Tory votingDavid Cameron and David Davis will enter into 6 weeks of campaigning now that they have fought off the challenge of Liam Fox in the latest round of voting to decide the new Conservative leader today.The result, announced at 17:30, confirmed the increasing support for Witney MP David Cameron who received 90 votes in this second round of voting by Conservative MPs.Pre-campaign favourite David Davis finished in second place with 57 votes. Liam Fox was third with 51 votes and will now drop out of the competition.In the first round of voting David Davis won 62 votes, David Cameron won 56 and Liam Fox won 42 votes.Posted
: 20/10/2005 17:48:57

Garden opened to remember car crash victimA sensory garden has been opened in Oxford in memory of 21 year old Howard Hillsdon who was killed in a car crash.Howard died in the accident in May on the Eastern Bypass in Oxford. The accident also killed three teenage boys.The garden has been opened at the Oxford and Charwell college campusPosted
: 19/10/2005 17:35:11

Oxford residents warned over burglariesOxford residents have been warned to lock their windows and doors after a spate of burglaries in Headington, Oxford where the burglars have taken advantage of unlocked windows and doors to break in during mornings and early evenings.Posted
: 17/10/2005 22:58:04

Oxford United defeatedOxford United lost 1-0 away to Northampton tonight. Taylor scored for Northampton after 74 minutes. The attendance was 6,802Posted
: 14/10/2005 21:56:28

Driver crashes through stadium fenceA driver crashed his car through an eight foot fence that protects one end of the Oxford United Kassam Stadium on Monday. The incident happened around 5pm and the driver of the blue Vauxhall Cavalier ended up just yards away from the goal posts. No one was injuredPosted
: 13/10/2005 23:43:42

Cameron favourite to become new Tory leaderDavid Cameron, the MP for Witney, is favourite to win the contest to become the next Conservative party leader. The bookmaker Coral is currently offering odds of 8/11 on Cameron, with David Davis at 15/8, Ken Clarke at 6/1 abd Liam Fox the outsider at 8/1.The first round of voting takes place next weekPosted
: 13/10/2005 21:32:20

Joseph opens his technicolor dreamcoat in OxfordThe hit musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat opened in Oxford tonight at the New Theatre. This is the biggest touring production of the musical ever and runs in Oxford for a week. Craig Adams stars in the lead rolePosted
: 11/10/2005 23:19:11

Cash injection for Ashmolean MuseumThe Ashmolean Museum in Oxford has been awarded £15m of lottery funding for its redevelopment project.About 385,000 people visited the museum in 2004.Posted
: 08/10/2005 00:11:06

Cameron campaign hots upDavid Cameron, the MP for Witney, has had his odds of becoming the next Tory leader slashed after a rousing speech at the Tory party conference this weekPosted
: 07/10/2005 21:21:15

Former Oxfam headquarters still vacantThe former Oxfam site in Summertown remains empty after a deal for the office space fell throughPosted
: 07/10/2005 19:21:06

Plans for 8000 new homes unveliedReports say that Oxford City Council are planning to release a huge site owned by them in order to build 8000 homes on the edge of OxfordPosted
: 07/10/2005 19:10:44

Lewis gets a promotionFilming of a one off show staring the former companion of Inspector Morse, the promoted Inspector Lewis, has started.
The show could turn into a series if it gets a good reaction from the viewing public.Posted
: 01/08/2005 19:04:04